Blackberry Basil Bliss

The Blackberry Basil Bliss is an elegant and sophisticated mocktail that delights the senses. It features muddled fresh blackberries and basil, which release their beautiful flavors and aromas, balanced with the tartness of fresh lime juice and a touch of sweetness. Topped with sparkling water, it's a bubbly and visually stunning drink with a deep ruby hue, making it a perfect choice for any celebratory occasion or a simple afternoon indulgence.
Blackberry Basil Bliss

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern mocktail. It falls into the category of non-alcoholic refreshers, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated, alcohol-free beverage.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic drink cold in a tall Highball glass filled with ice for a refreshing experience. The serving size is substantial, making it a perfect long drink for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This mocktail is a product of the modern craft beverage movement, which emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and complex flavor profiles in non-alcoholic drinks. It doesn't have a specific historical origin but represents a popular flavor combination that has gained traction in contemporary mixology. The pairing of sweet fruit with savory herbs like basil creates a drink that is both refreshing and intriguing.
Origin
The Blackberry Basil Bliss is a contemporary creation with origins likely in North America or Europe, emerging in the 21st century as part of the growing demand for artisanal mocktails. There is no single creator or specific location attributed to its invention.

Blackberry Basil Bliss

The drink is primarily known as Blackberry Basil Bliss. Alternative names like Blackberry Basil Spritzer or Basil Berry Fizz highlight its key ingredients and fizzy nature, making it easily recognizable.
Original name
Blackberry Basil Bliss
Alternative names
  • Blackberry Basil Spritzer
  • Basil Berry Fizz

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a delightful balance of sweet blackberry and aromatic basil, with a vibrant ruby color and a refreshing, bubbly texture. Its flavor profile is summery and clean, leaving a pleasant herbal aftertaste.
Flavor
Fruity, Herbal, Sweet, Tart, Peppery
Aroma
Blackberry, Fresh Basil, Citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Refreshing, Herbal
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Deep Ruby, Purple, Vibrant
Texture
Light, Crisp, Slightly Pulpy
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a medium flavor intensity, characterized by a prominent fruitiness from the blackberries and a balanced sweet-sour profile. It is completely alcohol-free and moderately carbonated for a refreshing fizz.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe calls for fresh ingredients including blackberries, basil leaves, and lime juice to create its vibrant flavor. A touch of simple syrup adds sweetness, and it's all topped off with bubbly soda water.
  • Fresh Blackberries6-8 berries
    Use ripe, fresh berries for the best flavor and color.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves4-5 leaves
    Sweet basil (Genovese) works best.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is highly recommended over bottled.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste. Agave nectar or honey syrup can be used as alternatives.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, to top
    Chilled soda water or sparkling water works best to maintain fizz.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker set, including a muddler to release the flavors from the fruit and herbs, and a strainer to ensure a clean, pulp-free drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients
  • Muddler for crushing berries and basil
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) for a smooth pour

Instructions

The preparation involves muddling fresh blackberries and basil, shaking them with lime juice and syrup, and then straining into an ice-filled glass. The final step is to top with soda water and garnish.
1. Place the fresh blackberries and basil leaves into the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Gently muddle the berries and basil to release their juices and essential oils. Do not over-muddle the basil to avoid bitterness.
3. Add the fresh lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill a highball glass with fresh cubed ice.
6. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove seeds and small herb pieces.
7. Top the drink with chilled soda water.
8. Garnish with a fresh sprig of basil and a few blackberries on a pick before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh basil sprig to enhance the aroma and a couple of whole blackberries for a beautiful presentation. This adds a final touch of elegance to the mocktail.
  • Fresh basil sprig for aroma and visual appeal
  • A few fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick

Dietary Information

This beverage is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences as it is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no common allergens like nuts, soy, or eggs. It is also caffeine-free and non-alcoholic.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with its carbohydrate and sugar content primarily coming from the fresh blackberries and simple syrup. It serves as a lighter alternative to many sugary sodas and juices.
Calories
Averagely 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is exceptionally versatile, ideal for warm-weather events like summer parties, garden parties, and brunches. It's also a thoughtful and elegant choice for celebrations where non-alcoholic options are desired, such as baby showers.
  • Summer Party
  • Brunch
  • Baby Shower
  • Afternoon Refresher
  • Garden Party

Pairing suggestions

The drink's fruity and herbal notes pair wonderfully with light and fresh foods. Consider serving it alongside summer salads, appetizers featuring goat cheese, or main courses like grilled chicken or white fish. It also complements desserts that aren't overly sweet, such as a fresh fruit tart.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Fruit tarts and light desserts

Blackberry Basil Bliss: A Refreshing Herbal and Fruity Mocktail

The Blackberry Basil Bliss is a testament to the art of modern mocktail creation, offering a complex yet accessible flavor profile without any alcohol. It skillfully combines the jammy sweetness of blackberries with the fresh, peppery kick of basil, brightened by a squeeze of lime. Served over ice with a splash of soda, it's a refreshing, visually appealing drink perfect for any occasion, from a quiet afternoon to a lively social gathering.

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